Study shows drinkers often outlive teetotalers

Rarely is drinking alcohol portrayed as a positive behavior. But a new study suggests it might be wise to go ahead and pour your favorite adult beverage when you get home tonight.

Researchers at the University of Texas, Austin, have found that moderate drinkers, and in some cases even heavy drinkers, tend to outlive people who abstain from alcohol.

They tracked 1,824 middle-aged subjects (63 percent men) into old age and found that about 70 percent of teetotalers were dead within 20 years of the start of the study, compared to 60 percent of heavy drinkers and 41 percent of moderate drinkers.

While the researchers aren't exactly clear as to the reasons for this, Time magazine reporter John Cloud suggests: "One important reason is that alcohol lubricates so many social interactions, and social interactions are vital for maintaining mental and physical health. As I pointed out last year, nondrinkers show greater signs of depression than those who allow themselves to join the party."

While many doctors agree that moderate drinking, particularly red wine, offers some health benefits, they are warning people not to take this study as a green light to start binge drinking.

Dr. Robert Gwyther, professor of family medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told ABC News, "People should not get the idea as young folks that drinking is good for their health, [especially considering] most addiction to alcohol begins before age 25."

What do you think - Do you believe drinking might be good for longevity? If so, why do you think that is? Leave your comments below.